CHICAGO (WLS) — The Jimmy Awards, a national celebration of high school musical theater performers, will take center stage Monday night in New York City.
Illinois will be represented by Jane Nuich of Park Ridge and Logan Arroyo of Tinley Park, who are set to compete alongside more than 100 students from across the country.
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ABC7’s Hosea Sanders has been tracking their journey as it builds toward a Broadway debut.
Asked whether the road ahead feels intimidating, Arroyo acknowledged the nerves that come with performing at such a high level. “Yes, it’s scary. It’s a scary place, especially putting yourself out there on a stage or alone. I want to be an actor, and I will do whatever I can to do that.”
Nuich said she is approaching the experience as more than just a contest. “It’s a huge opportunity to work with industry professionals and with so many other talented young people. And you get to experience so much in New York in that short week. And it’s, I think, such a cool experience rather than a big competition.”
Sanders also asked Arroyo and Nuich how growing up in the Chicago area has shaped their exposure to theater and influenced their ambitions.
“I think the immediate access to all of the theater that Chicago has to offer has been so incredible to me. As a young student of theater and young performer in theater, I think it’s been so educational to me, and so inspiring to be able to anywhere in Chicago in a quick moment from the suburbs to just see so much theater,” Nuich said. “I think it’s so comforting to know you’re surrounded by so many artists who are just as passionate as you. And I think that going into a career in this, it’s so incredible to be exposed to so many young performers who are so talented and passionate as this age.”
Arroyo said he is eager to share the moment with others who understand the same passion. “I’m so excited to be around people I care about and love this as much as I do.”
When asked what previous Illinois Jimmy winners have told the performs, Nuich said, “It goes by really fast, that a lot will happen, but it’s important to stay grounded and to take it all in and realize what a special experience it is, and you just keep working hard.”
“My big dream is to do what I love and love myself for doing it,” Arroyo said.
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